Ban Plastic Straws, Sudbury!

In addition to the ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers and splash sticks, other disposable non-plastic options will only be available on request by the customer. 

The bylaw only allows Sudbury retailers to sell disposable plastic straws, stirrers, and splash sticks if clearly labeled reusable or non-plastic alternatives are also available. For more details about the proposed policy, please email campaigns@ma.surfrider.org.

Volunteers from the Chapter worked closely alongside volunteers from Sustainable Sudbury and the Lincoln-Sudbury High School Environmental Club. The chapter drafted petition language and enough signatures were collected ahead of the 1/31/2020 deadline to ensure inclusion of the proposed article in the town meeting warrant.

A presentation was given to the Sudbury Board of Health on 1/14/2020, and on 2/11/2020 the Board of Health officially voted to endorse the article.

The campaign team then gave a presentation to the Sudbury Select Board virtually on 3/31/2020 (in light of COVID-19). The Select Board voted 4-1 to support this Article. 

Extensive outreach efforts in town were advanced before the Town Meeting, which was held on September 12. Townspeople voted favorably, on Article 57, along with the proposed polystyrene and bag bylaws, as Articles 55 and 56, respectively. The bylaw becomes effective on February 1, 2021.

Sudbury residents are urged to contact the MA Chapter to get involved with similar efforts elsewhere.

Thank you!